OF THE POLAR SEA. 



33 



On the morning of the 18th, the country was clothed in the livery 

 of winter, a heavy fall of snow having taken place during the night. 

 We embarked at the usual hour, and, in the course of the day, 

 crossed the Point of Kocks and Brassa Portages, and dragged the 

 boats through several minor rapids. In this tedious way we only 

 made good about nine miles. 



On Sunday the 19th we hauled the boats up several short rapids, 

 or, as the boatmen term them, expressively enough, spouts, and carried 

 them over the Portages of Lower Burntwood and Morgan's Rocks ; 

 on the latter of which we encamped, having proceeded, during the 

 whole day, only one mile and three quarters. 



The upper part of Hill River swells out considerably, and at 

 Morgan's Bocks, where it is three quarters of a mile wide, we were 

 gratified with a more extensive prospect of the country than any we 

 had enjoyed since leaving York Factory. The banks of the river 

 here, consisting of low flat rocks with intermediate swamps, per- 

 mitted us to obtain views of the interior, the surface of which is 

 broken into a multitude of cone-shaped hills. The highest of these 

 hills, which gives a name to the river, has an elevation not exceeding 

 six hundred feet. From its summit, thirty-six lakes are said to be 

 visible. The beauty of the scenery, dressed in the tints of autumn, 

 called forth our admiration, and was the subject of Mr. Hood's ac- 

 curate pencil. On the 20th we passed Upper Burntwood and Rocky 

 Ledge Portages, besides several strong spouts ; and in the evening 

 arrived at Smooth Rock Portage, where we encamped, having come 

 three miles and a half. It is not easy for any but an eye-witness to 

 form an adequate idea of the exertions of the Orkney boatmen in the 

 navigation of this river. The necessity they are under of frequently 

 jumping into the water to lift the boats over the rocks, compels them 

 to remain the whole day in wet clothes, at a season when the 

 temperature is far below the freezing point. The immense loads 

 too, which they carry over the portages, is not more a matter of 



